The design for the Temple of
Nuestra Señora del Valle in Margarita Island takes advantage of the
site´s dimensions and privileged location to build a place that can
be enjoyed year round in addition to creating more comfortable
conditions for the celebration of the great annual mass in honor of
the Virgin. The 6 hectares of land are used in part for the Temple,
but also for a museum and for a large park.

The temple is made of porous walls
of concrete hollow blocks that allow air and light to pass through
them. They also create dynamic interior shadows and a tenuous
lighting that protects the interior from direct sun lighting. The
altar is the main focus of the space and has a large window behind
that opens on deep views of the park. A 45-meter high bell tower is
located on the northern edge of the temple. It can be reached by
visitors along a spiral staircase that has defined opening along
the ascent in all four cardinal directions pointing to Porlamar,
the sea in the distance and the existing Basilica and main square
on the eastern edge.

The park represents the heart of
the proposal. Radial rows of trees point toward the temple´s
exterior altar and provide shade to the faithful during the annual
mass. A museum on the southern edge of the property showcases
objects of veneration and the history of the Virgin of the
Valley.

The project takes into
consideration several sustainability strategies in terms of air
circulation, thermal insolation, the management and reuse of
rainwater and the use of alternative energies to reduce
consumption.